Tasted side by side with the winery’s 2007 Champoux Cabernet, this shares a stylistic astringency, but with a bit more forward cherry/berry fruit. Where the 2007 might be seen as more substantial, the 2008 is more approachable and ready for near-term enjoyment. ——P.G.(11/1/2011)—— 88

Champoux is known for powerfully deep, cherry-flavored fruit. Here there is also a strong minerality, like dry rock or cement, but it quickly runs into a chalky, tannic finish. The fruit seems flat, not spoiled in any way, but lacking vibrancy. ——P.G.(12/1/2009)—— 87

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard is a glass-coating opaque purple color. Aged in 43% new oak, the aromatics reveal notes of pain grille, pencil lead, incense, blackcurrant, and blackberry. On the palate, this masculine effort has outstanding density and richness with the structure to match. Give it 3-4 years, and drink it from 2012 to 2025. Tel: (509) 526-9463; www.threeriverswinery.com

Champoux, one of the iconic Washington Cabernet vineyards, deserves its status and the attention that this all-Cabernet wine gives it. The wine has big, broad, rich flavors of black cherry, dotted with coffee, pepper and earth. The winemaking is solid, and the wine is nicely detailed, but the finish stops short.——P.G.(12/1/2008)—— 89